Wonderful Harmony
Acts 2:42-47 MSG
Today's reading comes from The Message, by Eugene Peterson. As you read the following verses, ask God to open your eyes to the truths of His word.
They committed themselves to the teaching of the apostles, the life together, the common meal, and the prayers.
Everyone around was in awe—all those wonders and signs done through the apostles! And all the believers lived in a wonderful harmony, holding everything in common. They sold whatever they owned and pooled their resources so that each person’s need was met.
They followed a daily discipline of worship in the Temple followed by meals at home, every meal a celebration, exuberant and joyful, as they praised God. People in general liked what they saw. Every day their number grew as God added those who were saved.
You may wish to consider the following questions:
These questions are to provoke thought and conversation, not guilt or shame. Sometimes our personal church narrative lends itself to should dos and ought tos. Something supernatural is happening in the book of Acts, beyond the power or will of those involved and it is joyous and incredible to behold. The Holy Spirit is acting in the lives of believers to accomplish what they cannot accomplish on their own, it is not burdensome or laborious, it is a beautiful, awe-inspiring work of God.
God, make us alive and aware of the work You are already doing around us. Tune our hearts to sing your grace.
They committed themselves to the teaching of the apostles, the life together, the common meal, and the prayers.
Everyone around was in awe—all those wonders and signs done through the apostles! And all the believers lived in a wonderful harmony, holding everything in common. They sold whatever they owned and pooled their resources so that each person’s need was met.
They followed a daily discipline of worship in the Temple followed by meals at home, every meal a celebration, exuberant and joyful, as they praised God. People in general liked what they saw. Every day their number grew as God added those who were saved.
You may wish to consider the following questions:
- Is there a difference between life together and the life together? If so, what is the difference?
- What does it mean to live in wonderful harmony?
- Does the church at large live in wonderful harmony?
- Does Grace Church live in wonderful harmony? What sacrifices might we have to make to live in wonderful harmony?
- What does it mean to have a daily discipline of worship?
These questions are to provoke thought and conversation, not guilt or shame. Sometimes our personal church narrative lends itself to should dos and ought tos. Something supernatural is happening in the book of Acts, beyond the power or will of those involved and it is joyous and incredible to behold. The Holy Spirit is acting in the lives of believers to accomplish what they cannot accomplish on their own, it is not burdensome or laborious, it is a beautiful, awe-inspiring work of God.
God, make us alive and aware of the work You are already doing around us. Tune our hearts to sing your grace.
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